"You really like those AMC shows don't you?" a woman asked me recently. To which I said, "Yes, I do." For AMC means it when they say story matters here. Also, it's their compelling characters who give depth to their stories. Therefore, both story and characters matter at AMC.

If you haven't been watching Gracepoint, and the ratings say you haven't, you have been missing a show that is pure quality in every aspect. It is a shame it has not developed a following. Of course it is never too late so jump on the bandwagon and watch this show.

Whether all these figures are anti-heroes, or in some cases something else entirely, is an interesting question. As is the question of why anti-heroes are so important in quality television.
Short form answer is that they match the times. It's a mostly cynical and sour era, with little faith in institutions or, generally speaking, leaders.

Since Laura Eason calls her tense romantic comedy Sex With Strangers, audiences can be forgiven for jumping to the correct conclusion that these strangers -- they're both writers -- won't waste too much time before having torrid sex with each other.